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Simon Harris

@simonharris.bsky.social

540 followers 370 following 580 posts

Not that Simon Harris. Nor that one. Automotive data analyst/journalist. Chair, the Guild of Motoring Writers. Chair, Welsh Motoring Writers. Cars: Kia EV3 (on test); Mini Cooper SE (own); 1993 Jaguar XJ12 (own).

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Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · 10d

Bsky has been brought to you today by the letters X and J, and by the number 12. Last pic by @andrewbrady.bsky.social.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · 11d

#caturday

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · 14d

Worst rapture ever. 😒

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · 16d

Rapture is tomorrow. Finally, some good news.

‘RaptureTok’ goes viral after prophecy claims world will end soon | The Express Tribune

A prophecy from South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela has ignited a viral TikTok movement about the end of times.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 28

From an era when excess came as standard. #JaguarXJ12

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 22

It should be sitting in the apps screen in any case.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 22

Thank you so much, Vincent. 🙏You’re clearly an example of talent shining through! All good material for the memoir . . .

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 22

Thanks. I’m not panicking yet . . .

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 22

Thanks, Andrew. Let’s see what happens.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 22

Thank you, Alan. The XJ12 doesn’t run on fresh air!

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 22

After four years in a role I cared deeply about, I’ve reached an unexpected full stop. It’s hard to step away from something you’ve built, but I’ve always believed that every ending carries the seed of a beginning. I don’t yet know what the next chapter looks like, but I’m ready to find out.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 17

My Mini notified me about a “surprise” to be found in the apps section.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 17

I was looking at one particular EV that doesn’t sell as well as many others its size, and it’s possible to choose from 69 variants. It’s too many.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 16

Simplicity sells. Consistency reassures.

A well-structured, easy-to-understand range not only makes life easier for dealers and used buyers, it also protects brand perception and strengthens long-term value.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 16

5. Stocking risk for dealers: Unusual configurations may sit on forecourts longer, lowering willingness to bid strongly at trade-in.

Residual value forecasting relies on confidence. Confidence that a used buyer will understand what they’re getting, and that the market knows how to price it.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 16

4. Spec inconsistency over time: Mid-cycle changes can mean two cars with the same badge from different years have very different equipment, complicating valuations. Even more, if a pack or grade is modified during the cycle.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 16

3. Loss of a clear hierarchy: If the grade structure isn’t obvious (such as no clear equivalent to S, SE and Sport), flagship variants lose their aspirational pull, and the whole range’s RV suffers.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 16

1. Diluted demand per variant: Each configuration sells in such small numbers that dealers have limited sales history to guide pricing.
2. Buyer hesitation: Especially in emerging segments like EVs, complexity can overwhelm first-time used buyers, making them default to simpler alternatives.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 16

Too much choice is one of them.

When a range offers dozens of possible combinations, such as multiple battery capacities, on-board charger types, grade overlaps, and shifting equipment packs can create:

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 16

Many factors that affect residual value are beyond a manufacturer’s control: interest rates, used market demand, macroeconomics, and so on. But some risks sit squarely in the product team’s hands.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 16

But there’s a tipping point, and I’m seeing more examples lately where complexity starts to work against both new sales and residual values, and could be particularly problematic for EVs.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 16

When choice leads to confusion: how range complexity can undermine residual values.

We all know variety can help a model appeal to more customers. Equipment grades, powertrain choices, and option packs can capture a wider audience, and this can also translate to stronger appeal as a used car.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 16

Wondered about posting a version of a LinkedIn rant here. What’s the etiquette?

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 11

I guessed that because of the quotes. I just wonder how many people will realise they’re probably not getting much of a benefit.

Simon Harris @simonharris.bsky.social · Aug 11

In most cases it will be used to obscure informal discounts already available. OEMs will just be grateful that proportion of the discount is no longer coming out of their own pockets.